The Peasant Farmers Association of Ghana (PFAG) has issued a grave warning about a potential generational food and nutrition crisis if immediate action is not taken against illegal mining, commonly referred to as ‘galamsey’.
The Association has called on the government to impose a ban on these activities to safeguard the environment, protect farmers’ livelihoods, and ensure food security.
In a statement released on Tuesday, September 10, PFAG highlighted the severe impacts of illegal mining on Ghana’s agriculture. Over 1.2 million hectares of farmland have been lost to these activities, while vital water bodies and irrigation facilities have been polluted, complicating efforts to maintain sustainable agricultural production.
The Association noted that the cocoa sector and food crop production have been particularly hard hit, with farmers struggling to access clean water and fertile soil. PFAG warned that if these issues are not addressed, they could lead to a catastrophic generational food crisis.
“Failure to act now will have devastating consequences for future generations,” PFAG stressed, adding that they support an immediate ban on illegal mining. They also encouraged farmers to back efforts to end these harmful practices.
Major rivers, including the Bonsa and Pra, have suffered severe pollution from toxic chemicals used in mining operations. Additionally, forest reserves such as Tano Nimiri have been irreversibly damaged. Health unions, concerned about the widespread environmental degradation, have echoed the call for a ban as a critical measure to prevent further harm.
Under the Minerals and Mining Act, 2006 (Act 703), the Inspections and Compliance Division of the Minerals Commission is responsible for conducting mine inspections and ensuring adherence to mining laws. The Act also mandates that licensed miners operate within legal parameters.
However, PFAG pointed out that regulatory institutions have struggled to enforce these laws effectively, with some mining companies continuing operations in violation of regulations. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is tasked with integrating environmental policy and planning to ensure long-term maintenance of environmental quality, but its efforts have not been sufficient to curb illegal mining.
In a related event, some unions, led by the Ghana Medical Association (GMA) and supported by groups like the Ghana Registered Nurses and Midwives Association (GRNMA) and the Health Services Workers Union of Ghana (TUC), are calling for a ban on small-scale mining, citing serious environmental and public health concerns tied to illegal mining.
